Korea Quantum Computing Co., Ltd. (CEO John J.Y. Kim, hereinafter “KQC”) announced that it has successfully completed a Proof of Concept (PoC) for Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC), a next-generation financial security technology, in collaboration with IBK Industrial Bank of Korea.

Post-Quantum Cryptography is designed to remain secure even against attacks from quantum computers. This PoC was conducted to proactively prepare for scenarios in which conventional cryptographic algorithms may be compromised by quantum computing and to assess the feasibility of applying PQC technologies to future banking security operations.

The PoC carried out by IBK Industrial Bank and KQC represents a preliminary feasibility evaluation required prior to deployment in real financial systems, marking a significant step toward securing foundational technologies for the quantum computing era.

The PoC implemented by KQC was evaluated based on key criteria—including compatibility, security, and computational performance—using post-quantum standard algorithms designated by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). To assess the impact of increased key, signature, and certificate sizes associated with PQC on system performance, IBK Industrial Bank established a test environment based on KQC’s QxHSM. In this environment, key generation, storage, signing, and encapsulation operations were performed to verify the practical effectiveness of the solution.

John J.Y. Kim, CEO of KQC, stated, “The successful completion of this PQC-based PoC with IBK Industrial Bank is a meaningful achievement that demonstrates KQC’s technical capabilities to proactively address emerging quantum security threats.”

He added, “As major economies such as the United States, the European Union, and Japan are already accelerating or mandating transitions to PQC through national roadmaps, the global regulatory environment is rapidly evolving. Korea must also urgently prepare institutional frameworks and proactive responses to quantum security to maintain national competitiveness.”

He concluded, “KQC will continue to work closely with government bodies, financial institutions, and industry partners to lead the commercialization of quantum security technologies and the development of a robust ecosystem aligned with international standards.”